PalmBeachGems is a series of articles on gemstones, gemology, jewelry making, minerals and related topics.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

My latest gemstone interest in Andalusite. Andalusite is a beautiful gemstone that has recieved little attention in the past and is seldom seen in jewelry. It has recently started to gain in popularity and could be a great investment! Most jewelry buyers stick to the gemstones that they know and so many rare and beautiful gems are ignored. Andalusite falls into that category. Its most notable characteristic is its unusual coloring. It is pleiochroic, which means that it displays different colors when looked at from different angles. It is green, brown and red all at the same time! Most pleiochric gems are cut in a way to minimize the effect and show the one best color. A well cut andalusite, on the other hand, is cut to accentuate the pleiochroism. When cut properly they show a fabulous play of color across the face of the stone as it is moved in the light! They are sometimes called the "poor man's alexandrite", referring to the very expensive gemstone known for its color-change properties. Andalusite is a durable stone, making it useful for any type of jewelry. The rich, earthy colors are well suited to men's jewelry as well as women's.

PalmBeachGems.com

About Me

Brett McGill

I have had a lifelong interest in gemstones, rocks, minerals and fossils. I've been collecting rocks and gems since I was a kid. I started making wirewrap jewelry a few years back and selling it at craft shows. In 2002 I started selling gemstones, beads and jewelry online, first through eBay and later with my own site, PalmBeachGems.com